President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to vacate a court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government and discontinue all related legal actions.
He cited the need to protect the integrity and credibility of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
In a State House statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu disclosed that he had become aware that the EFCC secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.
While acknowledging the anti-graft agency’s constitutional mandate and its right to obtain judicial orders in the course of its duties, the President expressed concern over the timing of the action.
According to him, although the EFCC acted within its statutory powers, every action taken by a federal institution is ultimately perceived by the public as reflecting the position of the Presidency, regardless of whether he was consulted or informed beforehand.
Tinubu reiterated that since assuming office, he has consistently maintained a policy of non-interference in the operations of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, insisting that such institutions must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities independently, professionally, and without political influence.
He stressed that he had deliberately refrained from directing the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative and prosecutorial agency because he believes that strong democratic institutions operating within the framework of the law are essential to good governance and the rule of law.
The President noted that although he had not been fully briefed on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to seek the court order, he considered the timing of the development inappropriate, particularly as Osun State is only days away from its governorship election.
He warned that no action should create the impression that the Federal Government or any of its agencies is attempting to influence the electoral process.
“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the Federal Government is being used to interfere with the election,” the President stated.
Tinubu said preserving public confidence in the electoral process remains paramount, adding that his intervention was informed solely by the overriding public interest and the need to safeguard the integrity, credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s democracy.
Consequently, he directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts and discontinue every action it had initiated against the state in connection with the matter.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance and wished the nation continued peace and progress.